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• What will Viktor Gyokeres’ return to Sporting be like after controversial departure?

  Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres faces a high-stakes reunion with former club Sporting CP in tonight’s Champions League quarter-final, returning to the Estádio José Alvalade for the first time since his acrimonious £54m transfer last summer. ​Viktor Gyökeres returns to Lisbon tonight facing an “ambiguous” reception from Sporting supporters. While remembered for 97 goals and back-to-back league titles, his departure was marred by missed training and public disputes over a verbal release agreement. Sporting President Frederico Varandas famously refused to “accept blackmail and insults” during the standoff. Now at Arsenal, the Swede has struggled for consistency, making this quarter-final a crucial moment to prove his value. ​Mikel Arteta has defended his striker’s debut season, noting that Gyökeres is “very excited” for the reunion. Despite early difficulties adapting to the Premier League’s pace, the 27-year-old remains a focal point for the Gunners. Arteta insists the season will be “defined in the last seven or eight weeks.” A decisive performance tonight could silence critics and provide the spark needed to propel Arsenal toward a potential European and domestic double.

• David Raya addresses Mikel Arteta’s Carabao Cup final decision

  David Raya has addressed Mikel Arteta’s choice to bench him for two major cup exits, insisting he respects the manager’s preference for Kepa Arrizabalaga despite the team’s recent defensive struggles.

  ​David Raya has spoken out following Arsenal’s devastating back-to-back cup defeats. The Spain international was omitted from the starting lineup for both the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City and the shock FA Cup exit at Southampton.

  Reflecting on Arteta’s reliance on Kepa Arrizabalaga, Raya remained philosophical, stating: “It’s part of football.

  Sometimes you get picked, sometimes you don’t. You have to be there for your teammates.”

  ​The decisions have sparked debate after Kepa’s high-profile error gifted City the lead at Wembley. However, Raya is set to return for tonight’s Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP as the Gunners look to regain momentum.

  Maintaining a professional stance, he added: “The boss decides who plays and who doesn’t and we are used to those types of decisions.” Arsenal now focus on securing a vital European result.

• Gabriel Martinelli unlikely to face further sanction for referee push

  Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli is unlikely to face additional FA sanctions for pushing referee Sam Barrott during the Gunners’ shock FA Cup loss to Southampton, despite calls from former officials for a retrospective suspension.

  ​Arsenal are preparing for their Champions League clash against Sporting CP amidst domestic disappointment.

  Following a crushing FA Cup exit to Southampton, concerns have grown regarding Gabriel Martinelli’s late-game conduct.

  The Brazilian received a yellow card for pushing referee Sam Barrott in stoppage time. Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes the card prevents further review, as the FA and FIFA “want to avoid re-refereeing issues.”

• Willian reveals family concerns over leaving Chelsea for Arsenal

  Former Brazil international Willian has admitted that his family warned him against joining Arsenal in 2020, describing his unsuccessful one-year stint with the Gunners as the most difficult period of his career.

  ​Chelsea legend Willian has revealed that his family advised him to remain at Stamford Bridge before his ill-fated move to Arsenal.

  Despite a successful seven-year tenure with the Blues, the winger left for North London in 2020 after contract negotiations stalled.

  Willian told HBO Max, “Many people say I should never have left Chelsea, family members as well,” citing the transition period and empty pandemic-era stadiums as factors.

  ​The Brazilian eventually walked away from a lucrative contract at the Emirates to return to his homeland.

  Reflecting on his struggles under Mikel Arteta, Willian admitted his unhappiness prevented him from performing, leading him to request an exit after just three months.

  “For me, it’s unfair to stay in a place that you don’t want to stay just because of the money,” he explained.

• Arsenal warned Sporting CP capable of beating ‘anyone in Europe’ ahead of Champions League clash

  Arsenal have been cautioned that a resilient Sporting CP side, fresh from a stunning five-goal European comeback, possesses the quality and tactical spirit necessary to upset the Premier League leaders’ treble ambitions.

  ​Arsenal face a formidable challenge in their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP.

  The Portuguese side reached the last eight following a remarkable 5-3 aggregate recovery against Bodo/Glimt.

  Despite the Gunners’ status as favorites, former Sporting defender Virgilio believes an upset is possible if they outwork Mikel Arteta’s men. He insisted, “Sporting has the quality and conditions to beat any of these teams.”

  ​The tie carries historical weight, as Sporting previously eliminated Arsenal from the Europa League.

  While the Gunners remain undefeated in Europe this season, club legend Carlos Xavier noted the difficulty for both sides.

  He described the matchup as a “very complicated and difficult task,” emphasizing that Sporting has “nothing to lose” after already claiming the scalps of European giants like Paris Saint-Germain this term.